The Federal Government on Monday commenced a new phase of terrorism-related prosecutions involving dozens of suspects at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Unlike previous proceedings, which were largely conducted in Kainji, Niger State, the latest round of trials is being held in Abuja and is expected to continue throughout the week.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, is leading the prosecution team, while legal representation for the defendants is being coordinated by Aliyu Abubakar.
Proceedings are taking place simultaneously in several courtrooms of the Federal High Court, with multiple judges presiding over the cases. Among them are Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan.
Before Justice Nwite alone, at least 58 suspects were scheduled to appear on Monday. The defendants face various terrorism-related charges and include individuals such as Abba Bukar, Abba Manye, Gujja Mala Bukar, Brem Gonimi, Isa Mohammed, Lawali Dashiri Danke, Yau Tukur, also known as Mai-Auduga, and Bello Liman, popularly referred to as Alhaji Bell Doctor.
Court activities were significantly affected by the large-scale proceedings, with many previously scheduled cases adjourned or rescheduled to accommodate the terrorism trials.
Security presence around the Federal High Court complex and parts of Abuja’s Central Business District was noticeably heightened, as armed personnel maintained strict access control and restricted movement on roads leading to the court premises.
Earlier in April, about 500 terrorism suspects were prosecuted at the Federal High Court in Abuja during the ninth phase of the government’s mass terrorism trial programme.
Speaking after the proceedings, Fagbemi explained that the decision to relocate the trials from Kainji to Abuja was primarily driven by logistical considerations. He noted that Abuja offers more courtroom space, better facilities and the capacity to deploy several Federal High Court judges simultaneously, allowing the cases to be handled more efficiently and expeditiously.